Gout is a type of arthritis that develops due to excess uric acid levels in the blood and thus leading to the development of sharp urate crystals in one or more joints. Most often, this condition develops in the joints of the big toe, but it can develop in other joints like the wrist, hand, elbow, ankle, knee, and foot. When a joint is affected by a gout attack, it causes severe pain along with swelling that usually lasts for 3 to 10 days. The purpose of this article is to investigate how gout affects other types of arthritis.
Who Gets Gout?
Among the gout patients, men outnumber women, and this condition is more common in men over the age of 40. However, the risk of developing this disease increases in women after menopause.
Listed below are factors that increase the risk for developing gout:
- Overweight
- Excess alcohol consumption, especially beer
- Family history of gout
- Taking medications like diuretics, or medicines for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Have undergone gastric bypass surgery
Can You Develop Gout Along With Other Types Of Arthritis?
You must know that you can simultaneously develop more than one type of arthritis. So, you can develop gout along with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Remember that differentiating gout symptoms from other types of arthritis is important because it helps to administer the right type of treatment.
How Gout Affects Other Types Of Arthritis?
Gout And RA: You must know that, before the advent of modern medical diagnostic techniques, gout and rheumatoid arthritis were thought to be mutually exclusive. This is because these conditions develop commonly in those who are obese, and they can cause kidney issues. They can be correctly diagnosed with dual-energy CT scans and the analysis of synovial fluid.
Gout And Osteoarthritis: You must know that osteoarthritis and gout symptoms go hand in hand. The joint damage due to OA can create a favorable environment for the deposition of urate crystals. Besides, these crystals can cause inflammation, which can increase the risk for cartilage breakdown in the affected joint.
Gout And Psoriatic Arthritis: A study in 2014, has shown that people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a higher risk for developing gout. Also, gout and psoriatic arthritis have obesity as a common risk factor.
It is important to consult a rheumatologist due to the commonality of gout symptoms and symptoms due to other types of arthritis.
